William Gibson's 2020 novel Agency presents a strikingly prescient vision of near-future artificial intelligence. Set in an alternate 2017 San Francisco, the narrative follows Verity, who is hired to test Eunice, an experimental AI assistant. A key exchange reveals Eunice's mysterious origins and her ability to operate with startling autonomy, discussing a "no-name account" in Zurich and a global frequent flyer market.
Gibson published this work nearly three years before ChatGPT's release and six years before the emergence of today's autonomous AI agents. The novel accurately foresaw the trajectory of technology, including GPT-Live, Block's Dessa, OpenAI's Dots, and Meta's Muse. These developments highlight a shift toward 24/7 agents capable of independent goal pursuit and background action.
What makes Eunice remarkable is not merely her ability to converse, but her capacity to perform complex tasks simultaneously. The narrative suggests that the pieces are finally coming together, validating Gibson's prediction that truly advanced AI is on the horizon. As the story concludes, the anticipation builds: Eunice is almost here.
Source: Hacker News · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing